Young Explorers are selected for their exceptional courage, leadership, and impact-driven solutions. Ranging between the ages of 18 and 25, this diverse cohort represents 13 countries with each change maker engaged in solution-focused ideas including scientific innovation, conservation, education, civic engagement, storytelling and more — all in an effort to break boundaries and overcome challenges within their communities.
Betty Jahateh, a 25-year-old Gambian has been announced as one of the 15 Young Explorers. Betty is an environmental biologist, ocean youth leader, and consultant. Through her scientific innovation and conservation efforts, she initiated research on saltwater intrusion in The Gambia.
“These inspirational young leaders are positively influencing their peers, schools, communities, and global networks,” said Alex Moen, chief explorer engagement officer at the National Geographic Society. “They represent a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences, yet they share one common goal: using their voices to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. They see profound possibilities to make a difference in the world, and they do it with confidence, courage and conviction. We’re thrilled to support and elevate this extraordinary cohort of Young Explorers as they join the National Geographic Explorer community.”
These Young Explorers represent the full breadth of the Society’s key focus areas; with work that touches upon ocean, land, wildlife, human ingenuity, and human histories and cultures. Young Explorers are nominated and later selected by the National Geographic Society through a competitive, multi-tiered application process. In addition to their funding, Young Explorers receive skill building, leadership development training, and networking opportunities to connect and collaborate with their peers.
“The passion of the upcoming generations is what sparks my passion to continue realizing the aspirations of our tīpuna (ancestors),” said Young Explorer Te Aho Jordan. “We must leave a better world for our mokopuna (descendants) but also, leave mokopuna who will better the world.”
“When young people hold onto their passions as a fuel to catalyze change, we become co-authors in protecting the fragile beauty of our world,” said Young Explorer Brigitta Gunawan.
